GCSE FOOD PREPARATION AND NUTRITION 

Option

Love understanding what affects the food we eat? Then this is the GCSE for you! This course builds on knowledge, skills and understanding learned during Years 7 and 8 in Food lessons. 

What Will You Do? 
By studying Food Preparation and Nutrition you will: 

• Be able to demonstrate effective and safe cooking skills by planning, preparing and cooking a variety of food commodities whilst using different cooking techniques and equipment. 
• Develop a knowledge and understanding of the functional properties and chemical characteristics of food, as well as a sound knowledge of the nutritional content of food and drinks.  
• Understand the relationship between diet, nutrition and health, including the physiological and psychological effects of poor diet and health.  
• Understand the economic, environmental, ethical and socio– cultural influences on food availability, production processes, diet and health choices.  
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of functional and nutritional properties, sensory qualities and microbiological food safety considerations when preparing, processing, storing, cooking and serving food.
• Understand and explore a range of ingredients and processes from different culinary traditions (traditional British and International) to inspire new ideas or modify existing recipes.

How Will You Do It? 

Component 1 will cover principles of food preparation and nutrition by covering:

1. Food commodities 
2. Principles of nutrition 
3. Diet and good health
4. The science of food
5. Where food comes from 
6. Cooking and food preparation

This will be assessed through a written examination at the end of Year 11.

Component 2 will cover food preparation and nutrition in action by covering: 

• Assessment 1: The Food Investigation Assessment - a scientific food investigation which will assess your knowledge, skills and understanding in relation to scientific principles underlying the preparation and cooking of food.
• Assessment 2: The Food Preparation Assessment - prepare, cook and present a menu which assesses your knowledge, skills and understanding in relation to the planning, preparation, cooking and presentation of food. These assessments will be based on a choice of tasks released by the awarding body at the start of Year 11. 

What Qualifications Can You Obtain? 
There is a single tier of entry for this course which leads to a GCSE in Food Preparation and Nutrition at grades 9-1.

How Will Your Work Be Assessed?

Component 1: Written examination– 50% 
Component 2: Non– exam assessment (NEA)- 50% (split into two projects; 15% scientific experiment & 35% practical skills based) 

For further information, please contact your Design and Technology Teacher, Miss Mackey, Assistant Subject Leader for Design & Technology or Mrs Betteridge, Teacher of Food Preparation and Nutrition.